"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry actively support "freedom of choice" legislation permitting patients to freely choose their dentist while continuing to utilize their full dental benefits, and be it further

Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry actively support "any willing provider" legislation to allow dentists to enroll at any time and to freely participate in dental third party programs."

Health care reform

2009:316-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry participate in any legislative discussions regarding health care reform.”

Health care reform criteria

93:28 H 7

"Resolved, that it is the policy of the Academy of General Dentistry that if dentistry is to be included in any government health care program reform, it must:

1) Be adequately funded to provide broad access;

2) Permit freedom of choice of dentists;

3) Be based on fee for service; and

4) Assure high quality dental care.
and be it further
Resolved, in any case where dentistry is included in health care reform, the AGD support the following six recommendations set forth by the American Dental Association:
1. Maintain the advantages of the current dental care and dental benefits system, which would not require inclusion of dental benefits for population groups currently receiving regular dental care, and which would not require public sector participation and subsequent cost transfer. The Association strongly opposes any change in the tax deductibility of current dental benefit coverage.
2. Continue existing policy support for a separate, restructured program of publicly funded dental benefits for indigent persons. Priority consideration should be given to programs for children. The Association urges that these programs be administered in the private sector wherever possible.
3. For population groups currently not receiving regular dental care the Association supports the opportunity for a) small employers purchase dental plans in the private sector, b) development of cooperative dental benefit purchasing alliances administered in the private sector.
4. The Association recommends that preventive services and educational programs for children be included in any health system reform proposal. Preventive services may include but are not necessarily limited to, fluoridation of community water supplies, oral prophylaxis and application of topical fluorides and sealants; dietary fluoride supplements; restoration of carious teeth; maintenance of space resulting from the early loss of primary teeth and patient education.
5. The Association recommends that in the event that a more comprehensive program is enacted, preventive, diagnostic, emergency services and basic restorative and periodontal care be included for children and the elderly.
6. The Association believes that if the Medicare program is expanded to include coverage for additional dental health care services, we would endorse the inclusion of a defined dental benefit plan for the elderly population. These services would be expressly focused on those elderly who are in long term residential care or home bound. Delivery of these services should not be compromised by discrimination by category of provider (physician or dentist)."

Licensing

Criteria for eligibility

2002:28-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry believes that to be eligible to apply for an initial license to practice dentistry in the United States or Canada, the candidate must have:

Graduated from a dental college with training that is equivalent or higher than that provided by a dental college approved by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation or the Canadian Commission on Dental Accreditation,

Passed Part I and Part II of the National Board Exam (orthe National Dental Examining Board Exam in Canada), and

Passed a state or provincial licensing examination, or its equivalent, as determined by the state or provincial board of dentistry, and any additional requirements.”

Uniform standards for

2014:306B-H-6

“Resolved, that policy 2002:27-H-7 be revised as follows:
“Resolved, that the AGD actively support a uniform standard for licensing dentists in all U.S. states and Canadian Provinces, and be it further
Resolved, that access to oral health care for underserved populations should be addressed by maintaining uniformly enforced licensing standards that would prevent an unequal and unacceptable two-tier level of care.”

Voluntary/Temporary Licensing

2009:311-H-7

“Resolved, that the AGD approve the policy Supporting Issuance of Volunteer/Temporary Licenses for Dentists Licensed in Different States”
“Resolved, that the AGD supports the issuance of a temporary license to do volunteer dentistry by dental licensing boards to dentists who are licensed in another state or province when such dentists are seeking such license in order to provide volunteer or charity care.”

Medically compromised dental patients

"Resolved, that all legislation and regulations to protect confidentiality of information on medically compromised or handicapped patients provide for disclosure of relevant information to members of the individual's direct care giving team."

Policy statement on treatment of

88:48 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD adopt the following policy:

AGD POLICY STATEMENT ON TREATMENT

OF MEDICALLY COMPROMISED DENTAL PATIENTS
With the aging of the population and the spread of infectious diseases, dentists will encounter growing numbers of medically compromised patients, including those with infectious diseases. The general dentist, as primary dental care provider, plays the key role in providing and coordinating dental care for such patients.
In this role dentists have responsibilities to all patients, staff and other parties which they are ethically bound to fulfill.
Responsibilities to the Medically Compromised Patiento To treat the patient with kindness and compassion, regardless of the nature of the patient's condition.
o To be sufficiently educated to evaluate the dental health of a medically compromised patient and to consult with physicians, when necessary, regarding the patient's medical status.
o To provide appropriate treatment within the dentist's realm of competence.
Responsibilities to Dental Staffo To ensure that staff are trained in emergency care, the management of special health conditions and the management of medically compromised patients.
o To advise staff of the health status of each patient so they may employ appropriate procedures and avoid procedures that may place themselves or the patient at unnecessary risk.
o To ensure that all staff members are properly educated so they understand that infection control measures, including barrier techniques are in place and practiced routinely to protect them against disease. With this understanding they can properly render compassionate care to a medically compromised patient.
Responsibility to Other Partieso Dentists must observe state and/or federal laws and regulations that require providers to protect the confidentiality of the patient.
Ethical Considerations for Treating HIV Positive PatientsThe AGD believes that dentists are obligated to observe the American Dental Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct in the treatment of all patients including those who are medically compromised, of which HIV positive patients are a part."
Medically indigent, support programs for

77:18 H 6

"Resolved, that every effort be made to have indigent dental care programs structured so that they take into consideration the current cost basis involved in providing the dental services."

81:31 H 7

"Resolved, that AGD support viable programs to provide dental care to the needy elderly and medically indigent."

81:34 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD support the concept of using public funds if available to provide dental care for the medically indigent."

Medicare, amendment to reimburse dentists for rendering same service as a physician

79:28 H 6

"Resolved, that the AGD support the concept of amending Medicare so that a dentist shall be reimbursed for a dental service rendered under this program if a physician would have been reimbursed for rendering the same service."

Nutrition and oral health

2004:14-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry encourages dentists to maintain ongoing knowledge of nutritionalrecommendations such as in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and their Canadian counterparts, as they relate to general and oral health and disease, and be it further

Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry encourage dentists to effectively educate and counsel their patients about proper nutrition and oral health, including eating a well balanced diet and limiting the number of highly cariogenicbetween-meal snacks, and be it further,

Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry encourage constituent academies to work with school officials to ensure that school food services, including vending services and school stores, provide nutritious food selections, and be it further
Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry opposes targeting children in the promotion and advertisement of foods low in nutritional value and highly cariogenic foods and beverages and be it further
Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry encourages continued federal support for programs that provide nutrition services and education for infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly, and be it further,
Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry encourages the appropriate government agencies to prevent the distribution of non-nutritious and highly cariogenic foods and beverages under federal nutrition service programs.”

Oral Conscious Sedation, position statement

2005:2R-H-7

“Resolved, that the AGD position on Oral Conscious Sedation is:

1. The Academy of General dentistry believes that the general dentist must have access to appropriate training in the area of anxiolysis and oral conscious sedation. The AGD further believes that continuing education opportunities must continue to be developed to make these courses available to the general practitioner.

2. “Anxiolysis” means removing, eliminating or decreasing anxiety. This may be accomplished by the use of medication that is administered in an amount consistent with the manufacturer’s current recommended dosage and/or judgment on the part of the clinician with or without nitrous oxide and oxygen. When the intent is anxiolysis only, the definition of enteral and/or combination inhalation-enteral conscious sedation (combined conscious sedation) does not apply.
3. The Academy of General Dentistry supports the rights of the general dentist to use professional judgment in deciding the appropriate dose for each patient situation, respecting safe dosing parameters.
4. The Academy of General Dentistry believes that each constituent should be in close contact with their licensing boards to communicate the AGD’s position on this issue.”

Parameters of care, ADA

91:46 H 7

"Resolved, that the Board be directed to take a firm position that protects and accurately represents the interests of practicing general dentists on the development of parameters of care prior to consideration by the ADA House of Delegates after weighing all available evidence on the issue, including input from the Chairman of the AGD Dental Practice Council."

Parameters of care, criteria for

93:26 H 7

"Resolved, that any parameter of care established for the entire dental profession should be:

1. Condition based;

2. Equally applicable to all dental care providers;
3. Universally accepted with the dental profession; and
4. Developed by the American Dental Association with appropriate representation by the affected communities of interest, including the AGD as the representative of general practitioners; and be it further
Resolved, that the AGD's Dental Practice Council shall continue to monitor the status of parameters and attempt to achieve AGD representation in the development of parameters, and be it further
Resolved, that the AGD reserves the right to develop its own parameters should the need arise."

94:32 H 7

"Resolved, that any parameter of care established for the entire dental profession should be:

1. Condition based;

2. Equally applicable to all dental care providers;
3. Universally accepted within the dental profession; and
4. Developed by the American Dental Association with appropriate representation by the affected communities of interest, including the AGD as the representative of general practitioners; and be it further
Resolved, that the AGD's Dental Practice Council shall continue to monitor the status of parameters and attempt to achieve AGD representation in the development of parameters, and be it further
Resolved, that the AGD reserves the right to develop its own parameters or oppose the development of parameters should the need arise."

Preferred Provider Organizations

84:26 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry use whatever means are available to ensure that the following provisions are included in and made a part of any state and/or federal law mandating and/or regulating preferred provider organizations:

A. Patients' freedom of choice of provider must be guaranteed.

B. Preferred provider policies or contracts and preferred provider subscription contracts shall provide the same benefits level to the patient whether rendered by non preferred providers or preferred providers.
C. No dentist willing to meet the terms and conditions offered by a PPO shall be excluded.
D. All types of licensed health care providers whose services are required shall have the same opportunity to qualify for payment as a preferred provider under any such policies.
E. The terms and conditions of any PPO policies or contracts shall not discriminate against or among health care providers.
F. A preferred provider subscription contract should be defined as a contract which specifies how services are to be covered by the plan when rendered by non participating providers and by preferred providers.
G. Preferred provider policies or contracts should be defined as insurance policies or contracts which specify how services are to be covered by the plan when rendered by preferred and non preferred providers.
H. When preferred provider organizations are promoted to the public, they cannot do so with any implications of superiority, and all promotional materials used by PPOs must state if a preferred provider is a reduced fee contract.
I. The PPO shall make provision for a periodic adjustment in level of reimbursement based on the Consumer Price Index or some other equitable basis.
And be it further
Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry encourage its Constituent Academies to work toward building these safeguards into any state and/or federal law mandating and/or regulating preferred provider organizations.
And be it further
Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry transmit this position to the American Dental Association's Council on Dental Care Programs."

Bill payer system

78:24 H 6

"Resolved, that the AGD recognize the 'bill payer system' (direct reimbursement) as one of the acceptable forms of dental prepayment."

Exclude certain contract language

77:12 H 6

"Resolved, that in the interest of providing the best possible level of dental care for the patient, the Academy of General Dentistry is opposed to the inclusion of 'least expensive but adequate treatment', 'alternate mode of treatment', or similar contract language, in prepayment dental plans, and be it further

Resolved, that such language be eliminated from prepayment contracts wherever possible, and be it further

Resolved, that this type of language in existing dental contracts be implemented in such a manner so as not to impugn the integrity of the attending dentist or intrude upon the patient dentist relationship by either informing or implying that an alternate mode of treatment is appropriate, or influence the patient in any way in his choice of the attending dentist's treatment.”

Include all phases of preventive dental services

81:29 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD recognize the necessity of having all phases of preventive dental services in the dentist's office included in dental prepayment plans, and be it further

Resolved, that AGD request the appropriate agencies of the American Dental Association to consider the development of a position statement that would serve to accomplish this purpose."

Structuring of dental prepayment programs

77:17 H 6

"Resolved, that third party mechanisms, including government programs, take these differences into consideration in structuring dental prepayment programs, and be it further

Resolved, that dental prepayment programs for the non indigent have a provision whereby the patient will pay the differences between the fee authorized under the program and the normal fee charged."

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry believes that any advertisement of the HIV status of the dentist or any member of the dental team is misleading to the dental consumer

and be it further

Resolved, that all members and dental personnel are encouraged to work to educate the public and all patients on the safety of dental procedures and the precautions taken by dental professionals to safeguard patients' health in the dental office."

Resource Based Relative Value Scale

89:53 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry opposes use of the Resource Based Relative Value Scale as a method of determining payment for services provided by dentists."

Rights of employers to provide health care benefits

80:24 H 7

"Resolved, that AGD agrees in principle with the traditional rights of all employers to provide health care benefits for their employees, and be it further

Resolved, that AGD continue its dialogue with the ADA to clarify any proposal to provide dental benefits to federal employees."

School curricula – oral health education

2002:23-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry advocates incorporation of oral health education into primary and secondary school curricula with measurable outcomes, as a proven and cost effective disease prevention and universal health promotion program.”

Soft drink consumption/pouring rights contracts

2004:13-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry, through its appropriate agencies, continue to review the supporting data concerning the oral health effects of the increasing consumption of beverages containing sugars, carbonation or acidic components. These products are commonly referred to as “soft drinks,” including but not limited to juice drinks, sports drinks and soda pop, and be it further

Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry encourages its constituents to work with education officials, pediatric and family practice physicians, dietetic professionals, parent groups, and other interested parties, to increase the awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy vending choices in schools, and to encourage the promotion of fluoridated water and beverages of high nutritional value, and be it further
Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry opposes contractual arrangements, including pouring rights contracts, that influence the consumption patterns that promote increased access to ‘soft drinks’ for children.”

Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health

Implementation plan

2001:26-H-8

“Resolved, that it is the role of the Academy of General Dentistry to implement the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health by:

1. Expanding the demand for and availability of dental continuing education opportunities that:

a. Address the management of the oral health needs of at-risk toddlers, children, special needs, and geriatric patients.
b. Expand the knowledge of practicing dentists in the areas of oral medicine and the relationships between oral health and general health.
2. Working with other health care organizations to expand and elevate the knowledge of health care professionals, policy-makers, and the public (with an emphasis towards underserved communities) about:
a. The relationships between oral health and general health.
b. Oral disease prevention measures including home care, nutrition, fluoride, sealants, and tobacco cessation.
c. Promoting oral health in school curricula.
3. Advocate the development and implementation of appropriate proactive measures that will improve access to dental care (such as student loan forgiveness, tax credits and/or incentives to induce recent dental school graduates to practice in underserved areas).”

Third party mechanisms

ADA's role in problems with

81:27 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD recognize the American Dental Association's appropriate role in communicating with third party payment mechanisms for the purpose of upholding prepayment standards which have been agreed upon by the profession, and be it further

Resolved, that all complaints involving third party payment mechanisms taking more than 30 days to reimburse patients or dentists for dental services rendered be referred to the ADA so that appropriate dialogue may be instituted with the third party on behalf of the public and the dental profession."

Claim contested by dental consultant of

75:30 H 10

"Resolved, that should a patient's claim be contested by the third party's dental consultant, patient, or the patient's dentist, it shall be submitted to the local level of organized dentistry's peer review system and the third party, the patient, and the dentist should agree that the action of the peer review system is binding."

Considerations in deliberating dental health insurance programs

74:8 H 11

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry take into consideration the needs of the public, the various third party pre payment mechanisms, and the entire dental profession in deliberating on dental health benefits programs which might be of concern to the general dentists which compose its organization."

Consultant of, should make no representation to patient regarding dentist's service or fee

75:29 H 10

"Resolved, that when a patient's claim is considered for modification, and/or review, the third party dental consultant should contact the patient's dentist to discuss the matter fully rather than making any representation to the patient with respect to the dentist's services or fees."

Diagnostic imaging

94:15 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry supports third party reimbursement for all forms of diagnostic imaging determined to be medically necessary by the treating dentist and supported by appropriate clinical criteria."

Differentials in levels of reimbursement in

77:13 H 6

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry is opposed to differentials in levels of reimbursement in third party programs based on whether or not a practicing dentist is a 'participating' or 'non participating' dentist in such a program, and be it further

Resolved, that this resolution be communicated to the ADA, Delta Dental Plans, and all of the participating Delta Dental Plans in every state in the United States."

86:34 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD is unequivocally opposed to any type of separate fee schedules for reimbursement to general practitioners and specialists for the same or similar services.”

Fee Determination

2009:317RS-H-7

“Resolved, that third party payers should not determine fees for procedures not covered and/or not reimbursed in their policies. And be it further,
Resolved, that the appropriate AGD agencies be directed to help AGD constituents develop legislation that will prevent third party payers from setting fees for non-covered and/or non-reimbursed procedures.”

Fee schedules based on utilization reviews considered arbitrary

2000:25-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry believes that any fee schedule by third party dental benefit administrators or other entities that separates dentists into different payment levels as determined by statistically based ‘utilization reviews’ is arbitrary, discriminatory, and not consistent with appropriate patient care.”

Guidelines for handling members’ problems with

75:33 H 10

"Resolved, that the AGD adopt the following guidelines for handling communications from members on their problems with third party programs:

a. All complaints must be placed in writing and be sufficiently documented.

b. The executive director, in consultation with the Dental Practice Council chairman, shall be charged with the responsibility of corresponding directly with those carriers that are acting in opposition to policy previously established by the AGD.
c. The AGD should seek the help of the American Dental Association on those complaints involving a violation in ADA policy."

Not to interfere with dentist's diagnosis and treatment

75:32 H 10

"Resolved, that the AGD recognize a third party payment mechanism's responsibility to determine its liability and extent of dental benefits but is unalterably opposed to any administrative procedure that interferes with the attending dentist's diagnosis and treatment plan."

86:33 H 7

"Resolved, that alternative payment systems for all dental care delivery should not infringe upon the right and responsibility of the licensed practicing dentist to diagnose and treat patients according to the proper standard of care."

Overpayment recovery practices

2003:13-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry seek and support efforts opposing third party overpayment recovery practices, except as contractually obligated, when the overpayment was the result of a mistake made by the insurer and accepted by the dentist in good faith without prior or reasonable knowledge of the error, and be it further

Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry seek and support efforts to prevent third party payers from withholding fully assigned benefits to a dentist when an incorrect payment has been made to the dentist on behalf of the subscriber with the same third party payer.”

“Resolved, that retention of a license to practice dentistry and participation in third party plans should not be contingent upon participation in government regulated programs.”

Reduction/denial of dental benefits must be signed by licensed dentist

2000:26-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry believes that any third party reduction or denial of dental benefits on the basis of ‘not medically necessary or appropriate’ must be made on an individual basis and signed by a dentist licensed in the state or province in which the procedures are being performed, and be it further

Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry believes that any third party reduction of dental benefits on the basis of ‘least expensive alternative treatment’ be made on an individual basis and signed by a dentist licensed in the state or province in which the procedures are being performed, and be it further

Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry believes that any review of clinical records for the purpose of reducing or denying dental benefits must be made on an individual basis and signed by a dentist licensed in the state or province in which the procedures are being performed.”

Regulated by law or state governmental agency

85:23 H 7

"Resolved, that all third party payment mechanisms be regulated by law or through the appropriate state governmental agency to ensure fiscal responsibility and protection of the interests of the public."

Tissue biopsy

2006:25-H-8

“Resolved, that it is the position of the AGD that the decision whether or not to biopsy oral tissues lies within the purview of the treating dentist.”

TMD policy statement

86:29 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry support legislation and rules and regulations that would require third party mechanisms selling dental benefits programs based on UCR in a state, to use data that is not more than six months old on the date of filing, and so state this date in published material to users and prospective users of these programs; and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD communicate the problems being addressed by this resolution to the ADA's Council on Dental Benefit Programs to seek a viable solution; and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD's Dental Practice Council solutions being offered by the ADA to see if further action by the AGD is needed."

89:55 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry's TMD Policy is:

1. The existence of TM orders is undeniable and these disorders can be treated by the general dentist.

2. There are a variety of viable diagnostic and treatment modalities for TM disorders, as there are in the treatment of physiological disorders, back problems, and many other medical maladies.
3. Like any disorder or disease, the indication for TMD treatment is a doctor/patient decision. The criteria for this decision is both subjective and objective.
4. It is not possible to list all the effective (and thus reimbursable) TMD procedures. It is the application of clinical judgment which determines the appropriate treatment modality.
and be it further
Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry support the concept that comprehensive policies or certificates of health, medical, hospitalization, or accident and sickness insurance should provide reimbursement for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction/myofascial pain dysfunction and associated diseases and dysfunctions and that benefit coverage be the same as that for treatment of any other joint in the body and be applicable if the treatment is administered or prescribed by a physician or a dentist.”

TMJ

Medical care contracts should not discriminate against dentists

88:52 H 7

"Resolved, that in cases where dentists provide their expertise in treatment of temporo mandibular joint dysfunction and cranio mandibular disorders, medical care contracts should not discriminate in benefit payments based on the professional degree of the provider."

Tooth numbering system

81:28 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry endorses the universal (1 to 32/a to t) tooth numbering system adopted by the ADA and encourage its immediate implementation through the American Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association and other segments of the dental profession."

Untoward responses to products, materials, and medications

98:23-H-7

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry encourage its members to be aware of possible untoward responses to products, materials, and/or medications used in the dental office, and that the use of these products, materials and/or medications will be up to the discretion of the treating provider.”

Vaccinations

2013:306-H-6 “Resolved, that the AGD supports the administration of influenza vaccinations and other vaccinations by general dentists who have attained the training and education to do so.”

Workforce, adequacy of present dental workforce

2014:306C-H-6

“Resolved, that policy 2002:26-H-7 be revised as follows:
“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry adopt the following statement relative to the adequacy of the dentist workforce:
The dentist workforce in the United States is sufficient to meet the needs of the public demand for dental services. Geographic imbalances exist in localized areas due to a variety of factors. Where these imbalances result in shortages, the affected regions must be examined and addressed individually for appropriate solutions. The development of a responsive, competent, diverse, and “elastic” workforce should address potential increases in demand for dental services.”

Workforce Policy Statement

2014:304-H-6

“Resolved, that the Optimal Delivery of Oral Health Services through Primary Care: A Comprehensive Workforce Policy Statement be adopted as AGD HOD Policy.”

Dental PracticesOpen elections and nominations for officers

78:23 H 6

"Resolved, that all dental service corporations be requested to have open elections and nominations for officers and members of the Board involving all of its participating dentists so as to give the participating dentists representation in matters relating to improvement of patient services and maintaining high professional standards, and be it further

Resolved, that this resolution be conveyed to the ADA House of Delegates for implementation."

To be owned and operated by licensed dentists

86:32 H 7

AMENDED HOD 2009

2009:300-H-7

“Resolved, that policy 86:32-H-7 be amended so that it reads:”
86:32-H-7 “Resolved, that the AGD recognize that the public is best served when dental practices (those traditional fee for service private practices or any alternative compensation system of practice) are owned and operated by dentists licensed in the state or province of such ownership or operation, and be it further
Resolved, that the AGD supports the inclusion of language in state dental practice acts that would prohibit a party or parties not licensed to practice dentistry from becoming involved in the ownership or control of dental practices with an exception allowing for the non-dentist survivor or designee of a deceased dentist to retain ownership of the dental practice in order to facilitate an orderly transfer of patient records to a new dentist owner or licensed dental practice with ownership to remain in effect until an orderly transfer can occur or a two year period from the death of the original dentist owner.”

"Resolved, that the AGD oppose any form of federal assistance to dental schools or dental students that restricts the freedom of graduates of dental schools to voluntarily choose the type or the geographical location of their practices, as long as they are able to meet the appropriate state licensing requirements."

Loan program for

81:23 H 7

"Resolved, that AGD recognize the need for the dental profession to offer input into a fair and equitable loan program for dental students, supported by both private and public funds."

81:36 H 7

"Resolved, that AGD recognize the need to have the federal government involved in providing loans to dental students with the provision that all such funds be paid back with appropriate interest."

"Resolved that the AGD urge its constituent Academies to continue their involvement with dental schools and alumni associations in recruiting highly qualified students for dental schools."

Denturism

85:24 H 7

"Resolved, that in the interest of the health of the public, the Academy of General Dentistry supports the need of the dentists to be appropriately involved in all dental and oral prosthetic care rendered directly to patients, and as such, opposes the denturism movement."

Direct ReimbursementDefinition of

90:56 H 7

"Resolved, that 'direct reimbursement' be defined as follows:

'Direct reimbursement is a self funded program in which the individual is reimbursed based on a percentage of dollars spent for dental care provided, and which allows beneficiaries to seek treatment from the dentist of their choice.'"

Promotion of

85:28 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry continue its support of the American Dental Association's efforts and activities to promote direct reimbursement throughout the country."

97:27-H-8

“Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry is in support of and offers encouragement to the ADA in its efforts to promote direct reimbursement.”

DuesAssessment

81:48 H 7

"Resolved, that the Board include an enumeration of any portion of the membership to be suggested for exemption from a future assessment along with its complete rationale for any assessment to be considered in the future by this House of Delegates."

2005:13H-H-7

Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry recommends that dentists receive training on the recognition and evaluation for signs and symptoms consistent with abuse and/or neglect.

Enteral Conscious Sedation

2006:1-H-8

“Resolved, that the AGD adopts as policy, the White Paper on Enteral Conscious Sedation.”

Federal Services2012:304-H-6 “Resolved, that the Barriers and Solutions to Accessing Care be adopted as AGD HOD policy.”
2012:305-H-6 “Resolved, that the AGD believes that charitable foundations such as Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew) and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (Kellogg) should focus their resources to fund the solutions that are identified by the AGD, including the solutions contained within the AGD White Paper on Increasing Access to and Utilization of Oral Health Care Services (White Paper), to improve the status of oral health in underserved and vulnerable populations, and be it further,

Resolved, that the appropriate entity or entities of the AGD determine the feasibility, advisability and when appropriate, the mechanism and timing, to engage charitable foundations such as Pew and Kellogg with the purpose of seeking funding for the solutions that are identified by the AGD including specific solutions that are contained within the AGD White Paper with regard to improving the status of oral health in underserved and vulnerable populations, and be it further,

Resolved, that the appropriate entities report back progress to the 2013 HOD.”
2014:302R-H-6 “Resolved that the AGD leadership use the following concepts when in discussions about the midlevel provider model with governmental and regulatory agencies, the profession and the public:
The AGD does not believe that an alternative oral health provider model like the a midlevel provider model is a viable workforce alternative because it is not an economically sustainable solution to treatment delivery and it also creates a two-tier delivery system in which a provider with much less training and education than a dentist treats populations of patients that have far more critical medical and health issues. The AGD has grave concerns that the clinical and didactic education and training of a midlevel provider falls extremely short of the education and training that is required to treat those patients that the proponents of this alternative provider model claim the midlevel provider will treat.
Further, the AGD has published its “White Paper on Increasing Access to and Utilization of Oral Health Care Services” (2008) as well as “Barriers and Solutions to Accessing Care” (2012), which propose various proven solutions to oral health disparities. The AGD believes there are two key components of improving oral health care in America: including fluoridated water, adequate funding and oral health literacy. The AGD hopes all who have concerns with oral health disparities would agree that these two viable options are key to solving the oral health disparities in America."

Benefits for military personnel and their dependents

81:38 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD support the concept of enhancing the benefits offered to individuals serving in the military by providing dental services for their dependents, and be it further

Resolved, that these dental services shall be provided by the private sector where possible, and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD work to have provisions under which these services are to be provided conform to AGD policy."
Salary reimbursement for military dentists

81:25 H 7

"Resolved, that AGD recognize that factors such as the following items should be taken into consideration in the salary reimbursement for federal service dentists:

o the amount of education acquired by the dentist

o the proficiency of the dentist

o the level of experience of the dentist and the individual's ability to handle the more complex dental procedures in a competent manner

o status, rank, or duties within the group

o tenure

o the cost of living in one geographical area as opposed to another."

91:50 H 7

"Resolved, that the salaries for physicians and dentists in the Federal Services should be determined by the following factors:

1. The scope of responsibility which may be determined by rank, title, etc.

2. The degree of education which may include specialty training, general practice residencies, advanced educational programs in general dentistry, passage of a certifying board, etc.
3. A relationship with the remuneration generally earned by that profession within the practicing civilian sector.
4. Length of service."
Special pay for uniformed services

93:31 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry support the upgrading of special pay for dentists in the federal uniformed services, and that this position be properly communicated to the American Dental Association."

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry recommends that dentists may incorporate into their normal overhead the cost of complying with OSHA, CDC and other government regulations, and be it further

Resolved, that dentists may charge a separate fee or adjust current fees to cover these costs."

General DentistContinued competency

94:24 H 7

"Resolved, that assuring the public of the dental profession's continued competency is best addressed by appropriate continuing dental education, effective peer review, and the proper enforcement of the dental practice acts by the state and provincial boards of dental examiners, and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD of General Dentistry continue to express this position by letter to members of the American Association of Dental Examiners Continued Competency Committee and the American Association of Dental Examiners Executive Council before the final presentation of the Continued Competency report, and be it further
Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry express this position by letter to the American Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association and all other individuals and organizations that would be affected by or have influence on this issue."
Creed of

84:17 H 7

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry establish a creed for the purpose of more closely identifying the organization with a philosophy and code of conduct, and be it further

Resolved, that the following five statements be adopted as the AGD creed:

1. To educate myself to perform with greater ability.
2. To provide and promote the best treatment for my patients.
3. To treat my patients with continued dignity and empathy.
4. To share my knowledge with my patients and my profession.
5. To maintain my integrity and professionalism.
And be it further
Resolved that if feasible, the AGD creed be included on the back of the AGD membership cards and used in such other ways determined to be appropriate."
Definition of

2009:310-H-7

“Resolved, that the AGD amend policy 2008:319S-H-7.
“Resolved, that Policy 2007:303-H-7 be amended so that it reads:
2007:303-H-7 “Resolved, that AGD defines a general dentist as 'An individual who has successfully completed formal dental trainingleading to a DDS, DMD, or comparable degree which qualifies that individual to be a dentist and to accept the professional responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and overall coordination of services that meets patients' oral health needs, and who has not announced a limitation of practice to any of the specialty areas recognized by the American Dental Association,’ and be it further
Resolved, that the AGD defines 'primary dental care provider' as 'the general or pediatric dentist who accepts the professional responsibility for the treatment of the patient and/or the management and coordination of services to meet the patient's oral health needs, consistent with the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.”

82:21 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD recognizes that it is in the best interest of the public for the general dentist to be the primary entry point into the dental care delivery system."

Resolved, that the AGD advocate this position in programs involving federal and state governments as well as insurance companies so that optimal dental health care will be more readily available to larger segments of the public at less cost."

General Practice Residency Program

79:32 H 6

"Resolved, that the AGD support general practice residency programs, and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD recommend that a significant portion of the content of all general practice residency programs be devoted to but not limited to experience in a hospital environment, and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD recognizes the concept of and the need for the general dentistry residency."
Commission on accreditation urged to require that directors of GPR's be general dentists

80:33 H 7

"Resolved, that the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation be urged to require that, in the future, the directors of general practice residency programs and advanced educational programs in general dentistry be well qualified general dentists."

Geriatric Care

76:54 H 11

"Resolved, that the AGD recognizes the importance of dental care for the geriatric patient, and recommends that constituent academies through state dental societies institute whatever means necessary to inform the geriatric patient of the importance of regular dental care, and to aid in the providing of that care to economically disadvantaged geriatric patients."

"Resolved, that the AGD recognize the need for appropriate health planning, and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD support the concept of organized dentistry having input into health planning, and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD support the concept of using local funds for health planning, and, when necessary, state and federal funds."
HIVHIV-infected patients, policy on

88:50 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD regards HIV infected patients as medically compromised individuals with an infectious disease who deserve the most considerate and scientifically sound dental care available and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD opposes dental care discrimination against any individual, including those with infectious diseases."

Statement on disclosure and infection control

91:51 H 7

REVISED

HOD 7/99

"Resolved, that the Academy of General Dentistry strongly supports the validity and use of universal precautions and appropriate sterilization procedures as techniques that greatly reduce the risk of transmission of the Hepatitis (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) viruses between health care workers and patients, and be it further

Resolved, that the AGD supports voluntary testing of health care providers for HBV and HIV in the appropriate settings, but opposes mandatory testing because it is impractical and ultimately ineffective as a preventive measure, and be it further

Resolved, that dentists and other health care personnel who believe they are infected with HIV or HBV should obtain medical advice and, if found to be infected, should act upon that advice and submit to regular medical supervision, and be it further
Resolved, that the AGD work to educate the public on the safety of dental procedures and the techniques used by dental professionals to safeguard patients' health.”
Implants

96:53-H-7

"Resolved, that as an adjunct to the AGD's existing policy with regard to the consideration of implant dentistry as a specialty, that the following principles be adopted:

1. The AGD actively supports the policy that all qualified dentists be permitted to perform all aspects of implant dentistry including placement and restoration.

2. The AGD believes that it is in the public's best interest that oral implantology not be limited to one discipline of dentistry.
3. The AGD opposes the implication that specialists performing oral implants are also specialists in implantology
4. The AGD opposes any marketing efforts that imply any provider of implants is a qualified oral implantology specialist
Pre doctoral education

92:32 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD support pre doctoral education in the diagnosis, placement and restoration of oral implants in the curricula of all dental schools, and be it further

Resolved, that this resolution be transmitted to the ADA House of Delegates and to the American Dental Education Association."

Infectious WasteState and government regulation

90:55 H 7

"Resolved, that the AGD recognize that state law and government regulation is determining the definition and handling of infectious waste, and be it further

Resolved, that when evaluating the merit of such regulations, the AGD primarily will be concerned about the safety of the public, and also will insist that the

regulations be based on scientific validity with appropriate consideration given to cost effectiveness."